Perez Concedes Defeat in Senate Race Versus Vidak

There's news late this afternoon in the race between Democrat Leticia Perez and Republican Andy Vidak for the 16th Senate District seat. Katie Orr reports that one side has conceded defeat.

Democrat Leticia Perez has conceded the race to Republican Andy Vidak. The two were running to fill the Central Valley State Senate seat left vacant by Democrat Michael Rubio, who abruptly resigned last winter.

In a statement Perez said “This campaign is over. Andy has earned the right to represent us in Sacramento.”

The two faced off in a primary last spring. Vidak was initially declared the winner of that race but it was determined he did not secure enough votes to win outright and a run-off was required.

The win is key for Republicans, who are struggling to find a voice in the Democratic controlled legislature. Democrats will still hold on to a vital two-thirds majority in the Senate, but only barely, which gives the party less flexibility.